Posted by: JakeJZG
« on: August 30, 2007, 10:58:34 PM »Fantastic article, really fantastic.
What did you do?
What did you do?
Size matters
Corey Ray Mock
Dakota Student, 8/28/07
And this can be a hard reality for people like my good friend Kody.
It has only taken four years of college, two trips to Europe, numerous visits to the "principal's office" and several bags of candy to fully realize the importance of the little details in the world. I learned this when I heard an old proverb about changing the world. Later I chuckled at the irony of receiving scores of male enhancement emails in my spam filter.
I down right laughed when Kody's girlfriend made an interesting observation. I may need to start forwarding my junk mail to the little guy. Life can be funny.
The proverb that has changed my life is about an ambitious young man who desires to change the world. As he ages, he realizes the enormity of the task and consequently settles for changing less and less. In his old age and after changing nothing, it became clear that had he only set out to change himself, he could have changed his family. Together they could have changed his city, possibly changed his country and subsequently, he could have changed the world.
The story is a wonderful metaphor for the life of an up and coming college student. Approximately 12,000 strong, this university is armed with a force of people who desire to make a difference in the world. Whether its by becoming successful in the world of business, being a successful doctor or lawyer, teaching a class of students or safely piloting thousands of flights throughout a career - we all have our sights set on something. Changing the world is just as easily done as it is said.
The beauty of our society is we become jaded to everyday aspects of life. Even though we live in North Dakota, home of the 'highway wave' and 12-minute wrong number conversations, we have also become accustomed to the presence of other individuals. Rarely does a person go out of their way to help one another. I have seen elderly ladies hoisting groceries into their Cadillacs without assistance. Doors are not always held open. Little kids go without candy when they go to the bank with their parents.
I say this is a "beautiful" thing because it makes change so simple. Instead of creating a student organization to combat the rudeness of society, make it a point to be the change you wish to see. Like a tip at Tabula, its never expected but always appreciated. (Remember to tip the staff when appropriate.)
My suggestions for the students at UND - be unique. Express yourself and let your inner personality shine through. Never be afraid of dissent. Conformity can, and will likely haunt you. If you wish to be successful in your occupational field, be prepared to make changes. Raise your hand, ask questions and offer the most eccentric of ideas. Who would of thought that the Pet Rock would have made a million dollars? A Jump to Conclusions game? Give me a break! PC LOAD LETTER? What the....?!?!?!
Start simple. Instead of going to class, actually attend (the difference here is paying attention.) Give the professor a chance to know your name. Its a lot easier asking for an extension on a paper, making arrangements for a test / quiz or getting recommendations later down the road. Instead of "rushing" a fraternity, join the brotherhood. Be a member and put something into the group, while getting a lot more in return. The same can be said with any organization or aspect of college life. If you hope to have fun, be prepared to get involved.
As we get into this school year, make it a point to captivate your audience. Give high fives and compliments daily. Smile at strangers walking down the street. Meet someone new every chance you get. Give a hug or two. Most importantly, keep yourself happy. Changing the world is as simple as changing yourself. Size really does matter - change the little things and leave the bigger "enhancements" to the little blue pill. I'm sure she still loves you, Kody.